Letter to the editor: On racism, we've come a long way

The author of the letter “Let’s tell the truth about racism” states that systemic racism “has and continues to be prevalent in all facets of our society.” From my perspective, our country has arguably been more successful at eradicating all forms of racism than perhaps any other.

Just look at some of the groundbreaking Supreme Court decisions, such as the 1954 decision desegregating schools, the 1956 decision declaring bus segregation unconstitutional and the 1960 decision desegregating interstate travel. Look at groundbreaking laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and lesser known laws like the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, which charged Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with the task of ensuring that people living in inner cities had reasonable access to mortgages. Look at the Code of Federal Regulations, which requires primary contractors to hire a certain percentage of minority-owned subcontractors.

As proof that these efforts are working, I direct your attention to the plethora of TV shows, commercials and newscasts that are populated with Black people and a Supreme Court that soon will have two sitting Black justices.

How can a country that has a Black population of just 12% be systemically racist while electing a Black man president, not once, but twice?

We will never be perfect, but we have come a very long way in my lifetime.

Edward Pencoske

Trafford